JESUS’ CHURCH: Acts 2:41-47

BIG IDEA

When the Holy Spirit shows up, the church springs into being: people are born again and they become, together, the people of God. But what is church? And what do good churches look like? In Acts 2, we see that Jesus’ church (1) has believing and baptized members, (2) has called and qualified leaders, (3) gathers regularly in large groups for preaching and worship, (4) gathers regularly in small groups for Bible study, prayer, and meals, (5) rightly administer the sacraments of baptism and Communion, (6) is united in the gospel by the Holy Spirit, (7) is serious about holiness, (8) is serious about the great commandment (to love God and man), and (9) is serious about the great commission (to make disciples of all nations). Jesus loves the church. Do you? Jesus is committed to the church. Are you?

SCRIPTURE

Acts 2:41-47 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Was there anything from Sunday’sSermon or the Big Idea that had an affect on you or was new? Did you hear anything that raised more questions in your mind?

2. What stands out to you in Acts 2:41-47 and why?

3. What would you say is our cultures typical view of what a church is and does? Is this different than what we see in Acts 2? If so, how?

4. What would you say that Ekklesia is good at? In contrast, what would you say we need to improve on?

GOOD WORD

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:7-10)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

EKKLESIA COVENANT MEMBERSHIPWe have opened up the door for people to become Covenant Members of Ekklesia Muskogee. We invite you to get a copy of the Ekklesia Membership Covenant and the Ekklesia Doctrinal Statement, read and pray over them, then arrange a meeting with a Pastor to discuss, pray, and sign the Covenant together.